Summary of After Twenty Years - O Henry

 

Named Jimmy Wells, the beat policeman on the street on which the narrative opens is a lifelong resident of New York City, who has had a friend from his youth named Bob who had invited him to move West where they could seek their fortunes. But, Jimmy, a true city boy who cannot leave his home, declines and the two-part ways with the promise that they will meet at their favourite restaurant in twenty years.    Having lived all these years in New York, Patrolman Well has established himself as a respected policeman, a man of integrity and decency. In fact, he values his friendship with Bob so much that when he discovers the identity of 'Silky' Bob, an outlaw, matches that of his boyhood friend, he does not have the heart to arrest him. Instead, he sends a detective to meet Bob and arrest him.    'Silky' Bob Unlike his virtuous friend, Bob travels West and finds an opportunity, but it is not a legal opportunity. For, when he lights his cigar in the doorway of the former "Big Joe Brady's" restaurant, explaining to the patrolman that he waits for his truest friend, Jimmy Wells, with whom he has made an agreement to meet these twenty years later, the policeman recognizes him from wanted posters of Chicago. For, the "little white scar near his right eyebrow" and his flashy diamonds in his scarfpin and watch match the description of 'Silky Bob.' When a man approaches Bob in the darkened doorway, he believes the man is his old friend Jimmy Wells. However, when the man steps under a streetlight, Bob has a recognition this time: The man is not his old friend, who did not have the heart to arrest Bob himself.   Friendship The bonds of friendship were forged between Bob and Jimmy all those years ago.    Loyalty Bob's loyalty to Jimmy is obviously unwavering.  Jimmy's loyalties to Bob and to the law are put to the test when he discovers his old friend is a wanted criminal.   Trust Whom would you trust more: a police officer who arrested his best friend, or a 'dirty cop'